Mastercard partners with Transport for NSW to offer tap-on payments to ferry commuters

Financial services company Mastercard has announced a new partnership with Transport for NSW to allow Sydney ferry commuters to tap-on with their mastercards or mobile wallets.

Currently undergoing trials on the popular Manly to Circular Quay route, the tests will look to examine the impact of contactless ticketing payments on Sydney public transport, with the aim of making travel smoother and more convenient for both residents and tourists.

Mastercard’s Vice President of Travel and Transit Development, Doug Howe said the service will look to build on Australia’s growing tap-and-go culture, which is now utilised by millions of Australians.

“Australians are continuously embracing digital payment technology, with 82 percent using tap-and-go to make payments every week. This indicates that many recognise the benefits of faster and more convenient payment methods, so it makes good sense to extend this option to transport,” he said.

Considering Australia’s transition to the tap on Opal card system carried out over the last few years, tap-and-go payments seem like a natural fit for the transport system, which could cater to the 30 million plus tap-on commuters riding Sydney trains each month, according to Howe.

“This is starting initially with the introduction of contactless ticketing payments trial on Manly ferries, but has huge potential to be extended to other cities,” he said. Read more

James Ward - Startup Daily - 7 July 2017